Bought a Groupon voucher for a 120 min full body scrub and massage for two. Phone call to make an appointment was without hassle, even though we are using voucher. My hubby and I booked a slot on 11 Apr, Friday, 11.30 am and requested for couple room.
Upon arrival, the receptionist greeted us and asked if we wanted green tea or ginger tea. We were asked to fill in a form, after which, we were led to the therapy room and began with the scrub. I am relieve that the 120 min do not include irritating consultation time.
I felt that we were short-changed for the scrub, as it was not exactly 30 min. Rather, it consisted of 20 min scrub and 10 min shower time. As there was no clock on the wall, I could not tell if it was exactly 20 min. But I felt it was shorter than that.
Although there is a Jacuzzi tub in the couple room, we did not get to soak in it, because we were only given 10 min of shower time before the massage started. I did turn the tap on, but the hot water was not hot enough, and there wasn't enough time to fill the jacuzzi half full. On a positive note, the couple room is very spacious.
The massage was decent. How good a spa is generally depends on how good the massage therapist is. At the end of the session, we were persuaded to sign a package. Initially, we were offered 6 sessions at $720. We declined a few times and the sales girl allowed us to make the payment of $38 for couple room usage. At the cashier, she re-offered us a cheaper package. We declined her offer and negotiated for a better deal that consists of 120 min instead of just 60 min. Reluctant at first, she returned after checking with her Manager, and accepted our deal. My advise is, not to accept their initial offer, which is often high priced. If you are keen, keep negotiating for a lower package with longer treatment time. Just pretend to walk away, and they will make a last minute offer.
We made a purchase of 4 sessions, and the sales person waived the $38 couple room charge. It is not bad a deal, considering that per session is 120 min, and the spa environment is clean, room is spacious. There will not be any charge for couple room for future booking too. There is no expiry date and is transferable, which means, I can bring my mother there.
Spa Rael always have promotions going on. Get a promotional price and try it yourself!
Thursday, 17 April 2014
Thursday, 13 March 2014
Glow Vs Raspberry Ketone Plus
The other day while browsing Qoo10 website, I was very tempted to buy the Raspberry Ketone Plus. It is made in UK by a company called, Evolution Slimming. It is selling at a promotional price of S$29.90 for 60 softgels. This is much cheaper when compared to Glow, which is retailing at S$105 (or S$88 after store discount) for 60 softgels.
I made a comparison on the ingredients in both products, and found out that both carry the same key ingredients. But after scrutiny, the ingredient concentration per pill differs sharply between the two products.
I have provided a screen-shot taken directly from the companies' websites.
Glow The Original Raspberry Ketone Diet
Raspberry Ketone Plus
Although the Raspberry Ketone amount in Ketone Plus (200mg in 2 pills) is higher than Glow (135mg in 2 pills), the rest of the ingredients in Glow has a higher concentration of 135-130mg compared to Ketone Plus, with concentration of only 55-50mg in 2 pills. According to Ketone Plus website, the daily recommended dose for Raspberry Ketone ingredient alone is 200mg.
In other words, one will take a longer time to see the weight loss effect. Let's do the maths:
Glow 60 pills S$88
Take 2 pills per day, 1 bottle only last for 30 days.
Ketons Plus 60 pills S$29.90
Take 2 pills per day, 1 bottle only last for 30 days.
If one buys 2 bottles to see result, it will be $$59.80 (close to $60)
On the long run, it seems that Ketone Plus is more value for money, even if one were to take about 2 months to see the result.
Although Glow claims that it is the no. 1 best selling weight-loss ingredient in US, I don't seem to find this product in US websites. There seems to be very little or no product review on US websites. I also cannot find the company name or address who manufactured Glow. Under the 'Contact' page, there is no phone or email address. You can only fill in an online form to contact them.
The website is: http://glow-raspberry.com
Ketone Plus's website has proper company introduction and contact number.
The website is: http://www.evolution-slimming.com
So what is your take on these two products?
I made a comparison on the ingredients in both products, and found out that both carry the same key ingredients. But after scrutiny, the ingredient concentration per pill differs sharply between the two products.
I have provided a screen-shot taken directly from the companies' websites.
Glow The Original Raspberry Ketone Diet
Raspberry Ketone Plus
Although the Raspberry Ketone amount in Ketone Plus (200mg in 2 pills) is higher than Glow (135mg in 2 pills), the rest of the ingredients in Glow has a higher concentration of 135-130mg compared to Ketone Plus, with concentration of only 55-50mg in 2 pills. According to Ketone Plus website, the daily recommended dose for Raspberry Ketone ingredient alone is 200mg.
In other words, one will take a longer time to see the weight loss effect. Let's do the maths:
Glow 60 pills S$88
Take 2 pills per day, 1 bottle only last for 30 days.
Ketons Plus 60 pills S$29.90
Take 2 pills per day, 1 bottle only last for 30 days.
If one buys 2 bottles to see result, it will be $$59.80 (close to $60)
On the long run, it seems that Ketone Plus is more value for money, even if one were to take about 2 months to see the result.
Although Glow claims that it is the no. 1 best selling weight-loss ingredient in US, I don't seem to find this product in US websites. There seems to be very little or no product review on US websites. I also cannot find the company name or address who manufactured Glow. Under the 'Contact' page, there is no phone or email address. You can only fill in an online form to contact them.
The website is: http://glow-raspberry.com
Ketone Plus's website has proper company introduction and contact number.
The website is: http://www.evolution-slimming.com
So what is your take on these two products?
Monday, 17 February 2014
PhaseOut After Meal Fat Eliminator Pills
I bought a box of PhaseOut on 26 Jan 2014 at Unity at $88. As directed to take 4 pills per day, 60 pills can only last 15 days. I started taking the pills on Monday, 27, and I have 3 pills left now. On some light meal day, I only took 1 pill for lunch or dinner. I have experienced side effects such as dry mouth, bloated stomach, strange inner feeling and unable to pass motion. I was unable to pass motion for 3 days. It was not constipation, there was simply no waste to pass out, despite eating normal meals. Perhaps, this has caused my stomach to become bloated and was uncomfortable.
I bought PhaseOut because I was drawn to the advertisement that it can burn fat for 7.5 hours. I thought that if Jocelyn Tay could become so slim after giving birth, and as a health advocator herself, the product she endorsed should bear credible results.
After finishing a box, I do not notice any change in my weight. I do not want to buy another box to try because there are no reviews on this product online. I am puzzled as I cannot find the company, Avenza website as well. The website address is printed on the box, but it is always under construction. The only Avenza related information is through Reduze website. Reduze is also produced by Avenza. There is also no blogs on the effectiveness of PhaseOut anywhere online. I feel that something is not right, be it the company or the product. I do not trust this company and so has decided to stop buying its product.
To continue with my weight-loss routine, I have bought original Glow at Watson for a sale price of $88. I shall try this and review its effectiveness.
I bought PhaseOut because I was drawn to the advertisement that it can burn fat for 7.5 hours. I thought that if Jocelyn Tay could become so slim after giving birth, and as a health advocator herself, the product she endorsed should bear credible results.
After finishing a box, I do not notice any change in my weight. I do not want to buy another box to try because there are no reviews on this product online. I am puzzled as I cannot find the company, Avenza website as well. The website address is printed on the box, but it is always under construction. The only Avenza related information is through Reduze website. Reduze is also produced by Avenza. There is also no blogs on the effectiveness of PhaseOut anywhere online. I feel that something is not right, be it the company or the product. I do not trust this company and so has decided to stop buying its product.
To continue with my weight-loss routine, I have bought original Glow at Watson for a sale price of $88. I shall try this and review its effectiveness.
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Aiebao Hip Seat Baby Carrier
Recently, I bought a hip seat baby carrier in TaoBao.com. I am amazed at the range of carrier at such low price. A typical hip seat carrier cost between S$19 - S$25 in TaoBao. Unless you have friend living in China, who can bring it over to Singapore, you have to get an agent to courier the item to Singapore. The sellers in TaoBao charged a very high overseas shipping fee, and some sellers do not ship overseas. I am tempted to buy, and so I searched for a reliable agent in Singapore. I read many positive reviews on 65 Daigou, so decided to give it a try. Procedures for placing an order is easy. There is a cost calculator which shows you the estimated final amount of the item (including shipping fee and agent fee).
In the end, I paid S$37 for the Aiebao Hip Seat Carrier. The price is much higher than what is in TaoBao because you will need to factor in the shipping fee (S$17 air freight) and agent fee (S$3). However, the price is considered cheap when you compare to buying similar one in Qoo10 or in shopping malls. A branded hip seat carrier in retail can cost about S$80 - S$100+ .
I am surprise at the efficiency of 65 Daigou. I placed an order on Tuesday, and was informed that the parcel has arrived in Singapore next Tuesday. I arranged self pick up the next day. It only took 8 days to reach via economy air freight.
TaoBao/ Tmall provides a very detailed description of Aiebao Hip Seat Carrier. Although made in China. it does not look like a cheap and poor quality carrier. Upon receiving, I checked the carrier thoroughly. The workmanship looks good and there is no colour discrepancy. I feel comfortable while carrying baby in it.
This is how the carrier looks like. There are other colours to choose from.
In the end, I paid S$37 for the Aiebao Hip Seat Carrier. The price is much higher than what is in TaoBao because you will need to factor in the shipping fee (S$17 air freight) and agent fee (S$3). However, the price is considered cheap when you compare to buying similar one in Qoo10 or in shopping malls. A branded hip seat carrier in retail can cost about S$80 - S$100+ .
I am surprise at the efficiency of 65 Daigou. I placed an order on Tuesday, and was informed that the parcel has arrived in Singapore next Tuesday. I arranged self pick up the next day. It only took 8 days to reach via economy air freight.
TaoBao/ Tmall provides a very detailed description of Aiebao Hip Seat Carrier. Although made in China. it does not look like a cheap and poor quality carrier. Upon receiving, I checked the carrier thoroughly. The workmanship looks good and there is no colour discrepancy. I feel comfortable while carrying baby in it.
This is how the carrier looks like. There are other colours to choose from.
Follow this link to see the product:
Hope you have a good buy!!
Thursday, 2 January 2014
2B Into Arms and Body Slimming Gel
I have been using this gel since October 2013, till date, I have not seen much improvement in my waist line and arms. I applied it after shower but the heat effect is lesser than when I first used. I will not purchase this again neither the other range of 2B products.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
My Slmming Notes
After giving birth 9 months ago, I am still struggling with my post baby belly. Slimming is one of the top to-do-list or wish-list of most modern mums.
I have tried various means to get back my prebaby body shape, and I shall share it below:
Binder & Girdle
I started using binder on the 3rd month after delivery. Had I known about it's benefits, I would have worn it earlier. I used 3 types - the highwaist binder, corset and girdle. The waist binder is worn when I am wearing spaghetti stripe top. It is worth to invest in a good brand. I got mine from Wacoal. The corset is about $149, waist binder about $89 and girdle is about $59. A good material girdle and corset can last for years. I plan to buy a smaller size waist binder since the one I bought is not tight enough now. When I first got it, my hips and waist have not reduced size after delivery. Yes, after many months, sizes have dropped naturally.
Herbalife Meal Replacement Shake
Before buying this, I researched its benefits thoroughly on the net. For the first two cans, I diligently replaced two meals, breakfast and lunch with the shake for around two months. While continuing with the third can, I began to feel sick of the taste and texture of the shake. Hence, I only replaced my lunch with it. When the fourth can came, I literally hold my breath and swallow the shake. Now I am done with it. I tried to mix it with fresh milk or soy milk or fruits. I also bought chocolate flavour. But as days and weeks went by, the same hard-to-swallow feeling creeped in. I love drinking milk, but the vanilla taste of the shake is very artificial. Not forgetting to mention that it is super sweet! I have to use unsweetened soy milk or just plain water to make it drinkable. It does make me feel full for a few hours, but I still miss salty food. And I continue to eat two slices of bread every morning, and occasionally take a normal lunch with colleagues. I noticed that, if I want to skip my lunch, I can also do so by eating two bananas and drink lots of water. To make it more healthy, I will eat salad. Perhaps, I did not purchase the complete range of Herbalife weight loss supplements, so the weight loss is not significant. To me, replacing meal with shake alone is not sustainable.
If you want to try it out, you can get it at half the retail price from Q0010. The shakes and supplements are from Korea.
2B Into Arms and Body Slimming Gel
After reading many positive review about this gel, I decided to buy one to try. I applied it for the first time after shower, the buring effect only last about 15 - 20 minutes. Not sure if it is because I applied a thin layer. Later at night, I applied it again. But this time, there is no burning sensation at all. I wonder why? Is it because the pores are not opened as in after shower? The price for a 100ml tube is $42+. It is not cheap.
Apple Cider
A search on the net will show you the benefits of drinking apple cider daily. It helps in weight loss too. So I will make it a point to put two table spoon into my drink a day. Recommended brand is Bragg, it is cheap and can easily get from NTUC, Gaint and Cold Storage. I would prefer this to the expensive Herbalife shake.
Green Tea & Water
Yes green tea can help to loss weight. Some studies show that substances in green tea may offer several weight-loss-promoting effects, such as speeding up your metabolism and suppressing your appetite. Although the antioxidant-rich brew won't help you shed pounds on its own, there's some evidence that drinking green tea may support your weight loss efforts. Green tea contains caffeine, which is known to increase thermogenesis (a biological process involved in burning calories). In a 2007 report from the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, scientists state that green tea may fight the decrease in metabolism that typically accompanies weight loss. According to the report's authors, green tea may also inhibit the effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase (an enzyme known to trigger the breakdown of brain chemicals involved in regulating appetite).
Drinking lots of water will also help to keep you full and good for digestion.
Raspberry Keton
Initially, I thought that raspberry keton can aids in weight lost, and I almost bought the new slimming product 'Glow'. But after reading a medical report online, there is no solid evidence to prove that it helps in weight lost. See http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/775741
Many of the commerical products use synthetic raspberry keton, which is cheap and easy to produce. So I will not jump into the bandwagon to waste money on it.
Below are my weight taken during and after pregnancy:
During pregnancy:
Weight taken on 23 May (wk 5): 53.1 Kg
Weight taken on 17 Jul (wk 13): 55.8 Kg
Weight taken on 10 Aug (wk 16): 56.3 Kg
Weight taken on 17 Sept (wk 21): 59.7 Kg
Weight taken on 18 Oct (wk 26): 63.1 Kg
Weight taken on 22 Nov (wk 31): 65.7 Kg
Weight taken on 11 Dec (wk 34): 67.6 Kg
Weight taken on 2 Jan (wk 36): 69.1 Kg
After delivery:
Weight taken on 20 Mar: 59.0 Kg
Weight taken on 29 Apr: 58.6 Kg
Weight taken on 14 May: 57.8 Kg
Weight taken on 27 July: 56.5 Kg
Weight taken on 9 Sep: 55.1 Kg
Weight taken on 6 Oct: 54.7 Kg
Weight taken on 22 Dec: 53.8 Kg
Weight taken on 5 Feb: 52.9 Kg
My target weight is 50Kg. My height is 1.68m. I will return to update my slimming experience with apple cider and green tea.
I have tried various means to get back my prebaby body shape, and I shall share it below:
Binder & Girdle
I started using binder on the 3rd month after delivery. Had I known about it's benefits, I would have worn it earlier. I used 3 types - the highwaist binder, corset and girdle. The waist binder is worn when I am wearing spaghetti stripe top. It is worth to invest in a good brand. I got mine from Wacoal. The corset is about $149, waist binder about $89 and girdle is about $59. A good material girdle and corset can last for years. I plan to buy a smaller size waist binder since the one I bought is not tight enough now. When I first got it, my hips and waist have not reduced size after delivery. Yes, after many months, sizes have dropped naturally.
Herbalife Meal Replacement Shake
Before buying this, I researched its benefits thoroughly on the net. For the first two cans, I diligently replaced two meals, breakfast and lunch with the shake for around two months. While continuing with the third can, I began to feel sick of the taste and texture of the shake. Hence, I only replaced my lunch with it. When the fourth can came, I literally hold my breath and swallow the shake. Now I am done with it. I tried to mix it with fresh milk or soy milk or fruits. I also bought chocolate flavour. But as days and weeks went by, the same hard-to-swallow feeling creeped in. I love drinking milk, but the vanilla taste of the shake is very artificial. Not forgetting to mention that it is super sweet! I have to use unsweetened soy milk or just plain water to make it drinkable. It does make me feel full for a few hours, but I still miss salty food. And I continue to eat two slices of bread every morning, and occasionally take a normal lunch with colleagues. I noticed that, if I want to skip my lunch, I can also do so by eating two bananas and drink lots of water. To make it more healthy, I will eat salad. Perhaps, I did not purchase the complete range of Herbalife weight loss supplements, so the weight loss is not significant. To me, replacing meal with shake alone is not sustainable.
If you want to try it out, you can get it at half the retail price from Q0010. The shakes and supplements are from Korea.
2B Into Arms and Body Slimming Gel
After reading many positive review about this gel, I decided to buy one to try. I applied it for the first time after shower, the buring effect only last about 15 - 20 minutes. Not sure if it is because I applied a thin layer. Later at night, I applied it again. But this time, there is no burning sensation at all. I wonder why? Is it because the pores are not opened as in after shower? The price for a 100ml tube is $42+. It is not cheap.
Apple Cider
A search on the net will show you the benefits of drinking apple cider daily. It helps in weight loss too. So I will make it a point to put two table spoon into my drink a day. Recommended brand is Bragg, it is cheap and can easily get from NTUC, Gaint and Cold Storage. I would prefer this to the expensive Herbalife shake.
Green Tea & Water
Yes green tea can help to loss weight. Some studies show that substances in green tea may offer several weight-loss-promoting effects, such as speeding up your metabolism and suppressing your appetite. Although the antioxidant-rich brew won't help you shed pounds on its own, there's some evidence that drinking green tea may support your weight loss efforts. Green tea contains caffeine, which is known to increase thermogenesis (a biological process involved in burning calories). In a 2007 report from the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, scientists state that green tea may fight the decrease in metabolism that typically accompanies weight loss. According to the report's authors, green tea may also inhibit the effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase (an enzyme known to trigger the breakdown of brain chemicals involved in regulating appetite).
Drinking lots of water will also help to keep you full and good for digestion.
Raspberry Keton
Initially, I thought that raspberry keton can aids in weight lost, and I almost bought the new slimming product 'Glow'. But after reading a medical report online, there is no solid evidence to prove that it helps in weight lost. See http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/775741
Many of the commerical products use synthetic raspberry keton, which is cheap and easy to produce. So I will not jump into the bandwagon to waste money on it.
Below are my weight taken during and after pregnancy:
During pregnancy:
Weight taken on 23 May (wk 5): 53.1 Kg
Weight taken on 17 Jul (wk 13): 55.8 Kg
Weight taken on 10 Aug (wk 16): 56.3 Kg
Weight taken on 17 Sept (wk 21): 59.7 Kg
Weight taken on 18 Oct (wk 26): 63.1 Kg
Weight taken on 22 Nov (wk 31): 65.7 Kg
Weight taken on 11 Dec (wk 34): 67.6 Kg
Weight taken on 2 Jan (wk 36): 69.1 Kg
After delivery:
Weight taken on 20 Mar: 59.0 Kg
Weight taken on 29 Apr: 58.6 Kg
Weight taken on 14 May: 57.8 Kg
Weight taken on 27 July: 56.5 Kg
Weight taken on 9 Sep: 55.1 Kg
Weight taken on 6 Oct: 54.7 Kg
Weight taken on 22 Dec: 53.8 Kg
Weight taken on 5 Feb: 52.9 Kg
My target weight is 50Kg. My height is 1.68m. I will return to update my slimming experience with apple cider and green tea.
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
A Slow Day
Today is another slow day for me. A heatup in work has caused me to loose my cool head. Although the incident happened yesterday, I still find it hard to let go. Before I can pack up the little stones, I am tasked with a new and clueless research report. I could have clarified the required information with my superior, but I decided not to send the email. Perhaps, I can guess what response he would give. More words will cause more misunderstanding when tension is tight. I decided to let time reveals things little by little to me. Sometimes my anxiousness to get the required information has soured the relationship with colleagues.
I started this blog some time ago. But I do not know what to write. Fashion, food, travel etc these are too commonly blogged, and I am not a trend watcher. So I begin with simple thing.
I refer to the blog by SuperMama, and I like the quote "Here today, gone tomorrow". It can be applied to many scenarios, be it a place, a person or an incident. It can be applied to work place too. I used to think that top management people cannot be easily replaced, and they would be there for a long time. The management of my previous workplace was not well liked. After being retrenched immediately on the spot by my boss, he experienced the same by his boss a year later. And his boss has too been fired and replaced two years later. Once a big European MNC, now only left with skeleton. Management people can be nice to look upon, with frequent business traveling, nice accomodation and sumptous meals. But they can be easily replaced if they do not have solid skill and knowledge to lead.
I tell myself that the Directors that I am unhappy with will one day be gone too. Either they or I will leave the company one day. It is a matter of time. So why should I be so mad over business issue, that too will be forgotten some day. Learn to let go of resentment is a skill that I have not mastered till today.
I started this blog some time ago. But I do not know what to write. Fashion, food, travel etc these are too commonly blogged, and I am not a trend watcher. So I begin with simple thing.
I refer to the blog by SuperMama, and I like the quote "Here today, gone tomorrow". It can be applied to many scenarios, be it a place, a person or an incident. It can be applied to work place too. I used to think that top management people cannot be easily replaced, and they would be there for a long time. The management of my previous workplace was not well liked. After being retrenched immediately on the spot by my boss, he experienced the same by his boss a year later. And his boss has too been fired and replaced two years later. Once a big European MNC, now only left with skeleton. Management people can be nice to look upon, with frequent business traveling, nice accomodation and sumptous meals. But they can be easily replaced if they do not have solid skill and knowledge to lead.
I tell myself that the Directors that I am unhappy with will one day be gone too. Either they or I will leave the company one day. It is a matter of time. So why should I be so mad over business issue, that too will be forgotten some day. Learn to let go of resentment is a skill that I have not mastered till today.
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